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19 States Hike Minimum Wage, Millions Get Pay Boost
6 Jan
Summary
- Nineteen states increased minimum wages, impacting 8.3 million workers.
- Washington state now has the highest minimum wage at $17.13 per hour.
- Voters increasingly support minimum wage hikes as a political issue.
Nineteen states began the year by increasing their minimum wages, a move that will affect an estimated 8.3 million workers. These adjustments, driven by inflation, new legislation, or ballot measures, mean that 30 states now have minimum wages exceeding the federal $7.25 per hour.
Washington state implemented the highest minimum wage at $17.13 per hour on January 1, 2026. Hawaii saw a significant jump to $16 per hour. In states like Nebraska and Missouri, voter-approved initiatives raised the minimum wage to $15 per hour, providing a substantial increase compared to some neighboring states still at the federal minimum.
The ongoing debate among economists continues regarding the impact of these wage hikes. While some express concerns about potential negative effects on businesses and employment, others highlight the benefits for workers, including poverty reduction. Public opinion shows strong support for these increases, with a significant majority of polled individuals favoring higher minimum wages.
